UNESCO Re-evaluates Ijen Geopark
UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) assessors, Dr Andreas Schüller from Germany and Qinling Zhongnanshan from China, have begun the revalidation process for the Ijen Geopark to assess its eligibility to maintain its status as a UNESCO Global Geopark. The Chairman of the Ijen Geopark Management Body, Abdillah Baraas, stated in Banyuwangi, East Java, on Sunday (2/8) that this year’s revalidation marks the first evaluation since the Ijen Geopark officially joined the UNESCO Global Geopark network in 2023.
During their visit to Banyuwangi, the assessment team will visit the Ijen Geopark and Geological Information Centre (PIGGI) to review geological collections and receive briefings on the region’s geological heritage, ranging from rocks and fossils to cultural heritage. “The inspection at PIGGI is part of the evaluation of the educational and interpretative aspects within the revalidation process,” said Abdillah.
He explained that revalidation is a comprehensive evaluation that must be conducted every four years to ensure geopark management continues to meet international standards. The evaluation results will determine whether the site receives a Green Card (status maintained), a Yellow Card (improvements required within two years), or a Red Card (status revoked).
In addition to PIGGI, the assessors are scheduled to visit several geosites in Banyuwangi, including Alas Purwo National Park, Teluk Biru, Teluk Pangpang, Kemiren Village, and Wringin Putih Tourism Village. These visits aim to assess aspects of conservation, education, community empowerment, and sustainable tourism development. “The assessors will also observe community empowerment practices in Kemiren Village, located within the Ijen Geopark area, as well as mangrove management in Wringin Putih Tourism Village,” added Abdillah.
According to Abdillah, beyond maintaining the UNESCO Global Geopark status, the revalidation serves as an opportunity for managers and local governments to demonstrate their commitment to preserving and protecting world geological heritage through sustainable management involving local communities. The Regent of Banyuwangi, Ipuk Fiestiandani, emphasised that the Ijen Geopark, having achieved UNESCO Global Geopark status, is a world heritage site and thus a shared responsibility to protect. “Ijen Geopark no longer belongs solely to Banyuwangi, but to the world. Therefore, through this revalidation, we want to demonstrate our best commitment and efforts in safeguarding this world heritage,” said Ipuk.
The UNESCO Global Geopark assessment team is scheduled to conduct the Ijen Geopark revalidation series in Banyuwangi and Bondowoso Regency over five days, from Sunday (2/8) to Thursday (6/8).